Diego Costa has sent Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata a strong message following his snub from the latest Spain squad.

The 25-year-old's hopes of featuring at this summer's World Cup finals were hit having failed to make Julen Lopetegui's plans for upcoming international friendlies against Germany and Argentina.

A 13-game goal drought was the main reason behind the striker's snub - although the La Roja manager has stressed that the door is not completely closed on Morata making the final 23-man squad for the tournament in Russia.

Those words seemed to have inspired the Spaniard as he netted his first goal of 2018 in the Blues' FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City at the weekend.

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Ironically, Morata's place in the squad has gone to ex-Chelsea striker Diego Costa - whom he was signed to replace following a big-money move from La Liga giants Real Madrid in last summer's transfer window.

Alvaro Morata celebrates his goal against Leicester City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

However, Costa - now back in form after returning to former club Atletico Madrid in January - insists he holds no ill-feeling towards his compatriot.

"I do not feel more liberated, I miss him, we get along very well. Nothing has been easy in my life," Costa told reporters.

"Morata is a great person, a great footballer, he is having a bad time but he is starting to score again.

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The Blues welcome Spurs to Stamford Bridge after the international break knowing a victory would close the gap to just a couple of points and leave Mauricio Pochettino's side looking nervously over their shoulders.

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